So few things in life seem to live up to their hype… and our demanding standards. So, when we heard about Villa Vallardin in Puerto Vallarta, we once more stepped into the breech of high expectations. Who among us could resist a six bedroom, six bath villa, all lovingly restored by two gentlemen of taste with house staff, two sparkling blue-tiled pools and full breakfast each day in the exclusive, vibrant Las Gaviotas neighborhood? Could a mansion of this quality, decorated in fine antiques and works of art, that can sleep up to 14 at $695-$895 a night possibly be true? The answer is yes. In short, we had a lulu of a time.

We first heard about Villa Vallardin when PVR Zona Magazine featured it as “One of Puerto Vallarta’s Most Luxurious Villas.” Friends raved about its peaceful, Zen environment, a tranquil stay where no parties, events, or loud music are allowed. It was all true. Villa Vallartin is a rare find, a sanctuary built with love that embraces you with warmth, comfort and elegance.

 We spent five glorious days there lolling about in Villa Vallardin’s luxury outdoor pavilions, covered verandas and sun terraces, and enjoying amazing mountain and tropical views. We hardly left the crystal-clear pool which was warmed to a bathtub-like 90 degrees.

Greg Moesser and Dwight Broadneax from Los Angeles worked for over three years restoring this grand walled mansion before graciously opening their elegant home to visitors in Las Gaviotas, one of Puerto Vallarta’s oldest and most exclusive neighborhoods, within walking distance of PV’s best shopping, beaches and the very popular Versalles gourmet restaurant area, a quick 15-minute drive to the Romantic Zone.

Greg and Dwight seemed to have thought of everything in planning for their guests’ perfect stay: a concierge (in our case, the lovely Blanca) first reaches out to you to answer any question, send you the rules of the house (very civilized and intended to assure a luxurious stay), organize what you’d like for breakfast each morning (the choices are endless), with any shopping you need stocked prior to your arrival, and offering any other services required, like beach club arrangements, restaurant reservations, car rentals, drivers, etc. Blanca is in touch each step of the way and even greets you on arrival.

Also greeting guests on arrival are happy Angela and Antonio, the married couple who will look after every guest with tender care. Angela cooks and Antonio minds the beautiful grounds and sparkling pools (the second is an intimate jetted dipping pool on a second-floor patio). They do a beautiful job and things got off to a fine start when Angela brought us a large welcome tray of fresh guacamole and chips, complete with a large pitcher of icy margaritas. One could ask for nothing more.

But as we looked about and saw the priceless art, thousands of books, hand-carved furniture, vibrant wall murals, gilded chandeliers, airy, bedrooms filled with natural light and each with its own marble bathroom, we knew we were in a very special place.

And our days and nights at Villa Vallardin were unforgettable. Angela’s gourmet breakfasts were sublime, feasts of eggs done any number of ways, with cereals, fresh juices, platters of fruits—whatever guests wish for, she produces it with smiles. Angela even cooked our first night’s dinner, a banquet of carefully prepared grilled fish, Veracruz-style with cream soup, salad, rice, beans and dessert.

Angela is happy to cook any and all meals for guests, but we preferred to spend our days in town trying local restaurants and doing a bit of shopping. For those who’d like to cook their own meals, there is a full guest kitchen available, as well.

ENTREE cannot say enough about the Villa Vallardin experience. To find a house of this quality with a devoted staff that’s eager to please, is discreetly out of the way, with immaculate private rooms and spacious, well-tailored roosts perfect for such time-honored vacation activities as sleeping in, stretching out with a book, or sunbathing poolside amid a quiet neighborhood filled with boutiques and novel new restaurants is a rarity. And when you examine the price, it is an exceptional bargain.

If you wish to experience Puerto Vallarta like a well-heeled, prosperous local with impeccable taste within minutes of the tourist zones, this house is for you. We urge you to eschew the hotel scene with its unlimited booze and buffets, wild teenagers and indifferent employees. Villa Vallardin’s privacy, luxury and warm, considerate hospitality, coupled with their elegant décor, libraries, pools and gardens delivers a lifestyle that is irresistible, fit for a member of the House of Iturbide.

Villa Vallardin, www.villavallardin.com,

 www.outandaboutvillas.com,

(310) 770-9014, info@outandaboutvillas.com

We are honored to present the Villa Vallardin with ENTREE’s Golden E of Excellence, our highest award.